We are blessed with a bumper crop of summer steelhead this season in the Willamette valley; the numbers of fish streaming over Willamette Falls far exceed annual averages. Over the last couple of weeks, we have had ideal water conditions, and lingering spring-like weather which have, no doubt, helped encourage the fish to bite.
Swinging flies, whether out of the boat with single-handed rods, or spey casting and stepping through runs, has been very productive. In my boat, most of the fish have come on light to medium-density sink tips and unweighted flies. In shallower lies, floating lines and intermediate tips are also producing well.
This is a great time of year to get out and swing for steelhead on the Willamette and its tributaries, but the fishing should continue to improve as more fish stack into area streams.
Early summer is usually a great time to be out fishing, but hands down September and October are the most productive months to swing for steelhead in area streams. In the fall, the sun shines at a softer angle, the fish become more trout-like and bite better, and fishing pressure tapers off.
I still have a number of days available througout the late summer and fall. If anyone reading this is interested in getting out and experiencing some of the best summer steelhead fishing our area has to offer, please give me a call or drop an email!
Ethan Nickel Outfitters 